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Arlene Korab, Executive Director

Arlene Korab, Executive Director. Support ‌‌‌‌ Prevention ‌ Education ‌ Advocacy. Support. Advocacy. Prevention. Education. The Purpose of BIA-MA

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Arlene Korab, Executive Director

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  1. Arlene Korab, Executive Director Support ‌‌‌‌ Prevention ‌ Education ‌ Advocacy

  2. Support Advocacy Prevention Education

  3. The Purpose of BIA-MA The BIA-MA provides support services to survivors and their families, offers programs to prevent brain injuries, educates the public on the risks and impact of brain injury and advocates for legislation and improved community services

  4. BIA-MA History The association was incorporated in 1982 as a 501(c)3, non-profit organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America.

  5. Offices In addition to the main office in Westborough, BIA-MA has two regional offices, one in East Wareham that serves southeastern Massachusetts, and one in Pittsfield that serves Western Massachusetts.

  6. Population Served BIA-MA serves individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, friends, professionals and members of the general public.

  7. Statistics • Brain Injury is recognized as a major public health crisis in the United States • According to the CDC: • The incidence of traumatic brain injuries occurring each year is eight time that of breast cancer and 20 times that of HIV/AIDS • 5.3 Million Americans are living with a disability caused by brain injury • Lifetime costs associated with traumatic brain injury are conservatively estimated at $60 billion

  8. What Does BIA-MA Do BIA-MA Provides: • Support to brain injury survivors and their families, including information, guidance and resources • Sponsors more than 30 support groups • Conducts conferences and workshops • Offers Programs to Prevent brain injury • Last year BIA-MA provided information to over 4,000 individuals

  9. Collaboration BIA-MA collaborates with state agencies including but not limited to: • Executive Office of Health and Human Services • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission • Massachusetts Department of Public Health • Registry of Motor Vehicles • Veterans Administration • Massachusetts Department of Public Safety

  10. Advocacy • In 1986 BIA-MA advocated for the development of the State Wide Head Injury Program (SHIP), a state program that funds community based services for people with traumatic brain injury. • The HEAD INJURY TRUST FUND • In 2006 BIA-MA initiated the Hutchinson V. Patrick class action suit to move individuals with brain injury out of nursing facilities and into the community. • “It is anticipated that over the next three years three hundred individuals with brain injury will be transitioning into the community” • Other successful legislative efforts include laws regarding helmets, seatbelts, shaken baby syndrome and sports concussion

  11. Needed Services • Expansion of Transportation “The Ride” Boston Allston, Back Bay, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown Boston North Beverly, Boston, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield Northwest Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge Southwest Boston, Canton, Dedham, Dover, Framingham, Medfield, Natick South Boston, Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton

  12. Additional Needed Services • Day programs for young adults • Services for survivors with severe behavioral issues • Independent Case Management services should be provided by insurers • Length of time for response for funding/services needs to be shortened • Need for brain injury professionals such as neuropsychologists • Education for Primary Care Physicians • Longer coverage for inpatient and outpatient care • Family counseling • Housing

  13. Additional Needed Services • Cognitive rehabilitation therapy • Vocational training • Job coaching

  14. After almost 30 years of developing programs and services for survivors there is still much work to be done. State delivery systems tend to be based on diagnosis (developmental disabilities, mental illness, special health care needs) or on financial need, such as Medicaid . These services are not always appropriate for people with brain injuries. Each person who sustains a brain injury has different needs.

  15. In summary, people with brain injuries need what everyone else needs; a place to live, food on the table, a job, and friends. With timely and appropriate treatment, many people can regain the ability to live independently, find meaningful work, and develop new friendships.

  16. Office Locations 30 Lyman St., Suite 10 Westborough, MA. 01581 (508) 475-0032 3119 Cranberry Hwy., Suite 5F E. Wareham, MA. 02538 (508) 743-0333 180 Elm Street, Suite C Pittsfield, MA. 01201 (413) 443-0200

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